14th June - gusty morning, cloudy & cool, brighter pm and warming 20C

Leicester Abbey Park; while in Leicester had a walk around the park and adjacent river.  A Little Egret was feeding at the weir, a drake Red-crested Pochard was on the river below the weir.  The weather was keeping most passerines low, a Long-tailed Tit family, singing Blackcap and Goldcrest were noted.  Three Banded Demoiselle on the river side.

Brandon Marsh; an evening visit, very pleasant evening. Notable observations include 3 Hobby in dead tree (looked like 1st year birds), a Sparrowhawk in same tree with them. A female Kestrel in the adjacent tree, sitting with pre-roost Starlings gathering.  Grey Heron and Little Egret. 39 Lapwing, Oystercatcher pair with chick, 2 Redshank and Little-ringed Plover.  A Kingfisher flew passed.  4+ Cetti's Warbler were heard, plus usual Warblers.  1 Swift over, several Swallows and Sand Martins at their nests. Male and female Cuckoo present. Common Terns now with well grown chicks.4+ Song Thrush singing, 4 Linnets in dead tree top.
A Wasp species was building a nest in the east Marsh hide.